Category Archives: Travel

THE RITZ CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO + HALF MOON BAY X SAKS 5TH AVENUE

The Ritz-Carlton has partnered with Saks 5th Avenue to create the most beautiful fashion meets travel window displays here at the NYC flagship. Two iconic locations it was inspired by? The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Imagine bold color blocking for afternoon strolls in Chinatown, and voluminous neutral sleeves that flutter with the breeze on the coast of Half Moon Bay. A beautiful trip to the Bay area is not complete without a few days in the heart of the city, and a few days by the sea. We were lucky enough to experience the best of both worlds, and that is what makes California so amazing and diverse.

We began our trip in San Francisco. I immediately fell in love with the super charming Stockton Street. Chic and elegant, the property felt like something out of a movie. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is just a quick walk from the hotel is San Francisco’s iconic hilly streets, the waterfront, and even better, Chinatown, where you can really feel the heartbeat of this vibrant city that somehow feels stuck in the 70’s. I brought the color with me in silk floral dresses and quirky shift dresses. I was lucky enough to squeeze in some family time here on the west coast. You could find us relaxing in the dining room at afternoon tea, our favorite time of day, indulging in sweet treats and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Evenings were made for their signature moment, a special cocktail inspired by the San Francisco fog. It’s moments like these, of bringing people together, that I live for. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco makes family time extra special with a touch of luxury. And why not indulge every once in a while, especially when it comes to treating family.

From San Francisco, we made our way to a quick two night retreat at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, just less than an hour away from the city. This is a spot to recharge and unplug. The views from our room were absolutely divine. Coast and cliffs that just went on for miles. I liked to just crack my window open each morning just to simply breath in and out. The mornings in NYC definitely don’t sound like this. That’s what this location is for . . . blocking out the noise and bustle of city life. We spent our days in the spa here. The Redwood Forest Ritual was an experience to never forget. This massage completely revitalizes the soul with earthy herbs and wool blends that calm on contact and at first scent. Our nights were spent bundled under a blanket by the fire pit, as the sounds of the waves combined with bagpiper playing at sunset. This musical performance is just a special treat at The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay as the sun slowly went down each evening. Surreal and beautiful. Like a lullaby. It’s simplicity at it’s finest. But when we wanted to get out some leftover energy, the coast bike road was open and free for us to take an adventure on. And north we cycled for hours until we couldn’t cycle anymore. Just knowing that the ocean is by our side at every moment at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is like having a perpetual best friend. it’s there for you always. Oh, and remember to check into the Club Lounge. You’ll find me there with a good book and a glass of wine each evening.

I felt at home at both The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. That sense of home is not easy to find everywhere you go. And that is what makes these two places so special. And gives me all the reason to never want to leave!

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NEW ZEALAND FASHION WEEK: A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

// Maggie Marilyn blazer and pant, Malone Souliers x Emanuel Ungaro kitten heel, Yu Mei handbag // 

New Zealand Fashion Week, that is a wrap! When I think of New Zealand fashion designers, first that pops to mind is Karen Walker. Quirky. Colorful. Elegant. There’s something fascinating about visiting a new country and discovering new designer labels to love. And I travel far and wide to do so: Tel Aviv, Casablanca, and even Seoul! I’m proud to add New Zealand to my list of expanding fashion weeks around the globe. It really is discovering culture and ethics through clothes. This year’s New Zealand fashion week had a focus on sustainability. Every designer showcased designs sourced completely sustainably from fabrics, to factories, and final production. I find it important to support the designers with an ethical supply chain. Every piece tells a story. Every piece is slow fashion. And that just makes me really happy to know that the industry I love is working towards giving back to the earth we all cherish. Quality over quantity. That’s how it always should be. Below you’ll find looks from my viewpoint in the front row at Maggie Marilyn, YuMei, Paris Georgia, and Olli. With it’s luxurious fabrics and details with a whimsical flair, it felt like earth meets city. New Zealand may be a small country, but it’s doing big things.

Maggie Marilyn

// Rejina Pyo blouse, House of Holland skirt, Reike Nen shoe, Prada bag //

OLLI

PARIS GEORGIA

// Maggie Marilyn blazer, Prada pant and bag, Reike Nen boots //

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WAIHEKE ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

// Rejina Pyo dress, The Frye Company x Matt Schultz boots, Prada bag // 

I adore the rolling green hills, blue skies, and pretty sheep frolicking around Waiheke Island, just off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand. Imagine just how incredible the beaches would be in summer? Packed, but incredible. You can see that even right smack dab in the middle of winter, it is just as romantic. It’s a quick ferry ride away to heaven, a place to hop from vineyard to vineyard and soak in the ocean views. Our first stop was at Stonyridge Vineyard, a welcoming and delicious spot for lunch. We even had lunch with Steve, the owner. He brought us the famous Steve’s Salad, a perfect and simple mix of salmon and cabbage peanut slaw. This spot is comforting and low-key… just the way I like it. No wonder it’s a go-to spot for travelers and celebrities from all over the world. 

From there, we drove up and up to find the most desolate of locations to take photographs. I like looking at the little winding roads surrounded by green. The island is zen and quiet this time of year, yet makes for iconic imagery. We made one final stop on our sleepy road trip at Mudbrick Vineyard. It felt Italian, as if I was on a mountain in Tuscany! Super luxurious and secluded, it didn’t feel real. To beat the chill that was coming in, we hopped in the car and kept driving into the sunset, discovering little beaches here and there. Sometimes a breezy walk on the beach in your cowboy boots after a long day of wine tasting is all you need on this island. 

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SEE YOU SUNDAY AT THE HUNTER GREENHOUSE

// See you Sunday linen top, Nobody Denim jeans, Brixton bucket hat, Beek by Two Birds sandals //

Sometimes you need those little escapes that feed your soul. Escapes that remind me of my childhood, of pure freedom, like running in the grass, getting muddy on my hikes through the mountains, and indulging in delicious homemade meals. The country reminds me of the suburbs of Los Angeles, my hometown. The sound of the birds and wind chimes with a cup of coffee in the morning. There’s something lovely about that small town lifestyle. A quiet place to lay down, look up at the trees, and dream. Driving to upstate New York for the weekend is my little slice of heaven on the east coast. I shacked up at the gorgeous Hunter GreenHouse with friends, amazing food, and music. It’s also home to sustainable brand, See you Sunday, designed right here in the CatSkills. The smell of their crisp linen tops will always bring back the memory of easy, breezy nights under the stars. I like my weekends for going back to basics. No makeup, a bucket hat, and a perfect pair of jeans. That and a chilled glass of rosé. Can I hold onto this moment just a little while longer? 

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